News | Sturgis Economic Development Corp.

Fuel the Growth Economic Development Course Returns to BHSU-RC

August 1, 2023

Fuel the Growth Economic Development Course Returns to BHSU-RC

News Release
Becca Walters, Senior Director of Marketing & Communications
Becca.Walters@BHSU.edu
Maegan Detlefs, Communications Coordinator
Maegan.Detlefs@BHSU.edu
Telephone: (605) 642-6215
www.BHSU.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  June 7, 2023

Fuel the Growth Economic Development Course Returns to BHSU-RC

RAPID CITY, S.D. – The economic development course “Fuel the Growth – 2023: Advancing Economic Development in Communities” is back at Black Hills State University-Rapid City for its third year.

Economic development professionals, board members, community leaders, businesspersons, and elected officials are invited to register for the Fuel the Growth – 2023 course that will be held Sept. 12-14, 2023. Fuel the Growth – 2023 is hosted by Black Hills State University (BHSU) and the Rushmore Region Economic Development Alliance. Sponsors include the South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development (SD GOED), Black Hills Energy, West River Foundation, Elevate Rapid City, and Spearfish Economic Development Corporation (SEDC).

“Economic development is a multidisciplinary field that requires a broad range of skills, including project management, community engagement, data analysis, and marketing,” noted Kory Menken, executive director of Spearfish Economic Development Corporation. “Fuel the Growth provides the knowledge and tools needed to make informed, data-driven decisions that are grounded in best practices. Attending Fuel the Growth is not only an investment in individual professional development, but the economic growth of our communities and region.”

“The Fuel the Growth course will afford Economic Development professionals the opportunity to develop skills and deepen their knowledge of economic development while developing valuable connections not only throughout South Dakota, but also within the region,” added Andrew Buks, instructor of management at BHSU.

The two-and-a-half day training event will be led by economic development experts and utilize presentations, panel discussions, and case studies to address 10 key topics in economic development including business retention and expansion, entrepreneurship, community and real estate development, strategic planning, organizational management, and ethics. In addition to learning from local and regional experts, participants will have an opportunity to engage with and learn from colleagues and other attendees through networking opportunities.

“Being brand new to economic development, the Fuel the Growth course was an excellent program that equipped me with the skills and knowledge I needed to contribute to the growth and development of my community,” said Kallie Ruland, business retention and expansion manager at Elevate Rapid City. “This course offers high-quality instructors with real world experience and knowledge, comprehensive course materials, and practical learning opportunities. Participants can expect to gain a deeper understanding of economic development strategies and how to apply them to their community or organization.”

Online registration for Fuel the Growth – 2023 is now open at BHSU.edu/FueltheGrowth. The registration fee is $395 per person. Attendees will have an option to make a hotel reservation with Baymont by Wyndham, 4040 Cheyenne Boulevard, for Sept. 12 and 13 in Rapid City at a special event rate by calling (877) 361-2496 before August 12. Please reference itinerary #5136B377547170.

For more information visit BHSU.edu/FueltheGrowth.

Sturgis Area Consumer Survey

September 17, 2020

Murphy Company expanding to the Sturgis Industrial Park

September 1, 2023

Murphy Company expanding to the Sturgis Industrial Park

We are thrilled to announce a significant development that will strengthen our local economy and bring benefits to our community. We are delighted to welcome a new business to our industrial park, and we are excited to share that construction is already underway for their brand-new 21,000 square foot facility.

Murphy Company is one of the nation’s largest and most professional insulation and construction services companies. Rooted in North Sioux City, SD, Murphy Company has dedicated over 25 years to serving not only South Dakota but also the surrounding states. With the increased housing demand in the Black Hills, Murphy Company expanded its reach by establishing a second location in Black Hawk in 2021. As business continued to increase and demand persisted, they realized a need for a permanent location and chose Sturgis as their new home.

This new venture will not only create an influx of job opportunities but also contribute to the diversification of our local economy. As they set up operations, Murphy Company is committed to assembling a diverse workforce comprising over 60 employees. Their employment opportunities span a spectrum of roles, ranging from skilled positions to entry-level roles, ensuring a comprehensive range of options for prospective team members.

In addition, as part of their strategic vision, Murphy Company intends to lease sections of their newly constructed facility to other emerging businesses within the industry.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Murphy Company for selecting our industrial park as the site for their expansion. We are confident that their presence will contribute significantly to our economic landscape, inspire other businesses to invest in our community, and create a positive ripple effect throughout the region.

Stay tuned for updates as we approach the completion of the new facility and prepare for the grand opening of Murphy Company’s operations. Together, let us continue to build a vibrant and prosperous community, one that thrives on collaboration, innovation, and economic success.

Thank you for your continued support of economic development in Sturgis and Meade County.

*Contact Christa Maxey at 605-242-5311 for leasing information. *

SEDC Celebrates 50 Years

July 7, 2023

SEDC Celebrates 50 Years

We are thrilled to announce that Sturgis Economic Development recently celebrated its 50th anniversary during the 2023 Annual Meeting of Members! This incredible milestone signifies half a century of unwavering dedication, tireless efforts, and significant impact within our community.

Since our founding in 1973, SEDC has been committed to creating jobs and actively pursuing economic development in Sturgis and Meade County. Over the past five decades, we have grown from a small group of passionate individuals to a formidable force for positive change, thanks to the unwavering support of our investors, board members, volunteers, partners, and community members.

Throughout the years, we have achieved remarkable milestones and overcome numerous challenges together, and we couldn’t have done it without your invaluable support.

In the link below, we will take a trip down memory lane and reflect on the transformative projects, initiatives, and programs that have defined SEDC’s legacy. From empowering individuals through education and skill-building to advocating for vital causes and making a lasting impact on our community, each chapter of our journey is a testament to the collective effort and unwavering spirit of SEDC.

As we look back on our accomplishments, we are also excited about the future of our area. Together, we can create a brighter future and continue building upon the foundation laid by SEDC’s dedicated founders.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who has played a role in our success over the past 50 years. Whether you have volunteered your time, donated your resources, or lent a helping hand when needed, your contributions have been invaluable. We are truly humbled by your unwavering commitment to economic development.

Thank you for being an essential part of SEDC’s journey. Here’s to 50 years of impact, and to many more to come!

With heartfelt gratitude,
Amanda Anglin
Executive Director
Sturgis Economic Development Corp.

50 Years of SEDC

SEDC Announces New Board Members

July 7, 2023

SEDC Announces New Board Members

The SEDC Board of Directors is pleased to announce the results of the recent Board Election. Ken Meirose (Black Hills Energy) was re-elected to a 3-year term on the Board of Directors. New board members Rod Bradley (The Hotel Sturgis) and Chris Bergman (Scooptown Carwash) were also elected to serve a 3-year term.

The other 2023 SEDC voting board members are: Paul Bisson, JD Williams, Ryan Aldren (Rasmussen Mechanical Services), Tessa Gunderson (Black Hills Rally & Gold), Jesse Blakeman (Iverson Construction), Mark Schmidt (Monument Health Sturgis Hospital), Britton Blair, Rick Bush (City of Sturgis) and Gary Deering (Meade County). Ex-officio non-voting members are: Kevin Forrester (City of Sturgis), Rhea Crane (Meade County), Veronica Grosek (Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce) and Amanda Anglin (SEDC).

Thank you to Scott Sabers (Sabers Insurance Agency) and Karen Simmons (Simmons Accurant) for your service to SEDC and your time with the Board of Directors.

Here is a little bit about our new board members:

CHRIS BERGMAN
SCOOPTOWN CARWASH

Chris Bergman has lived in Sturgis his whole life and is a 2007 graduate of Sturgis Brown High School. After high school, Chris attended Western Dakota Tech where he received an associate degree in business management and marketing. In 2011, Chris moved to North Dakota and started a career in the oilfield. He worked for a few different companies before starting his own business in 2013, focusing on oilfield maintenance. When the company first began, Chris traveled to Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma, and finally settling back in North Dakota until 2023 when he decided to sell the business.

In 2018, Chris married Tylea Tierney who is also a Sturgis native and 2009 graduate of Sturgis Brown High School. Tylea graduated from the University of Jamestown with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Chris and Tylea have three beautiful children, Bailey Mae (3 1/2), Harlie Ann (2), and a new baby boy Chet Jeffrey (3 months). They attend church at Lifespring Wesleyan and plan to raise their children in Sturgis.

In May of 2020, Chris and Tylea opened Scooptown Car Wash in Sturgis. In September of 2020, they purchased a Rapid City car wash and rebranded it into The Flying Pig Car Wash. In February of 2023, they opened Clean Freak Car Wash in Spearfish. Chris also owns a small excavation company called Bergman Construction.

Chris states, “I want to be a part of SEDC because I enjoy business and want to see continuous growth in Sturgis. I feel it is important to keep thinking ahead and planning for our kids future. I believe Sturgis has a lot of untapped potential and I hope to be a part of it.”

ROD BRADLEY
THE HOTEL STURGIS

Rod grew up in Sturgis and graduated from Brown High School before obtaining finance and accounting degrees from Northern State University and the University of Nebraska Omaha. After several years working in the corporate world, he moved home to help with the family businesses. Currently, Rod and his wife Cassie run the day-to-day operations of multiple businesses in Sturgis and have taken on a few local development projects. Rod has served terms on the Sturgis Common Council and Meade County Commission which included being an ex-officio member of the SEDC Board.

Rod states, “SEDC is an integral part of the growth and development of Meade County, and I would like to continue being a member of the board of directors that puts so much effort into making the place we live a better place.”

Sturgis Chamber hosts Dolan Creek Senior Living ribbon cutting ceremony

July 7, 2023

Sturgis Chamber hosts Dolan Creek Senior Living ribbon cutting ceremony

STURGIS — The Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday for the 50 unit Dolan Creek Senior Living that officially opens June 1. Dave Gustafson, president/owner Heavy Constructors Inc., along with Teresa Henderson cut the ribbon and welcomed everyone in for a tour and lunch.

The first floor, has 14 assisted living units and the second and third floors together have 36 independent senior living units. There are still two assisted living units remaining and several apartments on the second and third floor that are available to rent.

Gustafson said the project was a long time coming.

“We are just excited that the new facility has opened, with 50 rooms, has been a long time coming for the city of Sturgis. We made it through COVID, and through many challenges, we had a wonderful team to work with, the city and staff, Teresa (Henderson), and my superintendent, the investors are excited to be part of the Sturgis community and see this open up today,” said Gustafson.

Henderson, executive director of Aspen Grove and Dolan Creek Senior Living, said she is excited to provide the services to the community.

“Finally, we are so excited, we have two apartments left on the first floor for assisted living, and several openings on the independent living floors. If anyone is looking for a place or needing services, please give us a call,” said Henderson. “I started at Aspen Grove ALF nine years ago and we were told we would be opening a facility next door in the very near future, and nine years later here we are. On second and third of the facility, there are eight – two bedroom unit and the rest are one bedroom, and on the first floor, there are 12 one bedroom and two – two bedroom apartments. I want to give a huge shout out to the boards of SEDC and Greater Sturgis LifeCare Foundation, Gustafson’s and Paul Bisson. Bisson was so instrumental and the reason we are here today.”

Amanda Anglin, executive director of Sturgis Economic Development Corp (SEDC) said this facility has been in the planning stages for years. “SEDC has been involved in the planning of this facility for 10 or 20 years, it has been a labor of love for the community for a long time and it is great to see it finished and have people ready to move in. We have had many great partnerships along the way with Dave Gustafson and his family, the staff at EmpRes, the City of Sturgis, the Greater Sturgis LifeCare Foundation and the entire community has just came together to make this possible. This is a great step in our housing journey to provide housing for all stages of life and hoping this will open up some single family homes within the community so we can continue to grow our population,” said Anglin.

The residents can be as active as they want with some common activities that include: on-site movies, seasonal holiday celebrations, current events discussions, religious and worship services, summer and weekend barbecues, outdoor events, bingo and games, and they organize plenty of special events throughout the year.

Reprinted Courtesy of Tim Potts, Black Hills Pioneer

The Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Dolan Creek Senior Living facility on Thursday in Sturgis. Dave Gustafson, President/Owner Heavy Constructors Inc., along with Teresa Henderson, Executive Director of Aspen Grove and Dolan Creek Senior Living, cut the ribbon with investors and community members attending. Pioneer photo by Tim Potts

Sturgis Job Info Pick-Up Day

July 7, 2021

JOB SEEKERS:

Sturgis Economic Development Corp (SEDC) and the Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce invite you to a job information pick-up event!Stop by the Sturgis Community Center Meade Room on Wednesday, July 14th anytime from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Job information and applications from employers across town will be available free of charge! This is not a job fair – employers will not be present.

EMPLOYERS:

If you are interested in participating, simply provide the Sturgis Chamber with a flyer advertising your current available position(s) and a stack of applications and we will do the rest. Job seekers are invited to the event to view and pick up applications. Please drop off your materials (as many copies as you would like dispersed) at the Sturgis Chamber (2040 Junction Avenue) no later than Tuesday, July 13th at 12 noon.

Sturgis is proud to welcome four new sculptures to the Sturgis Artwalk during 2021!

June 11, 2021

The Downtown Sturgis Foundation, Downtown Business Improvement District, Sturgis Area Arts Council, Greater Sturgis Foundation, and City of Sturgis teamed up on this new project showcasing the visual arts in Sturgis. Together, these partners – along with several hard-working volunteers – made the first Sturgis Artwalk possible!

Spectators follow a path of artwork throughout Sturgis using the Sturgis Artwalk map, available at the Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau and other locations. As you stroll, bike, or drive by each piece, take time to appreciate the historical and cultural significance of these unique works.

The 2021 Sturgis Art Walk features four sculptures from artists throughout the midwest.

“Horse” was created by Travis Sorenson a local artist residing right here in Sturgis. We are proud to include one of his celebrated works in our first-ever Artwalk! Travis states, “Horses have always been a part of our lives. They have given us their strength, their speed, and their independence. Although the horse serves us, it can never be fully tamed.”

“Chief’s Daughter” was chosen for the Artwalk because of its reflection of the Native American culture of the Sturgis area. The artist has been sculpting for over 30 years and has over 2,000 public and private commissions. She describes the piece as “A young Indian girl follows her father’s footsteps.” Bobbie Carlyle of Loveland, Colorado created this beautiful piece of artwork.

“Bicycle Tree” was created by Dale Lewis of Hastings, Minnesota and is a nod to Sturgis’s vibrant outdoor spirit and expanding outdoor recreation opportunities. The artist transitioned from a career as an electrical technician and machinist, to welding metal sculptures in 2010. He states, “This tree is 11 ft. tall and all about bicycles. Look close and you might see one from your childhood.” His goal is to make his pieces entertaining, fun, and recognizable.

“Outer Limits” is a modern, abstract sculpture the evokes different thoughts and emotions from each viewer. The artists state, “This piece expresses the complex patterns, dynamic qualities, and endlessly-evolving nature of space. Texture and dimensions are incorporated into the sculpture through build-up pads created by welding students at Janesville Waldorf-Pemberton High School in Minnesota.” This piece was created by Tim James and Aidan Demarais of Good Thunder, Minnesota.

The Sturgis ArtWalk will rotate each May/June and feature new and unique statues from artists around the country.

The Sturgis Artwalk is sponsored and organized by the following generous organizations: Downtown Sturgis Foundation, Downtown Business Improvement District, Greater Sturgis Foundation, Sturgis Area Arts Council, South Dakota Arts Council and the City of Sturgis.

More information can be found at https://downtownsturgisfoundation.org/sturgis-artwalk/

SBA Administrator Guzman Announces Application Opening for $28.6 Billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund

April 28, 2021

PRESS OFFICE

Release Date: April 27, 2021 Contact: michele.arends@sba.gov; www.sba.gov/sd

Release Number: 21-18 Follow us on Twitter @SBA_SouthDakota

SBA Administrator Guzman Announces Application Opening for $28.6 Billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund

Fund prioritizes direct relief to women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, and includes $9.5 billion in set-asides for smaller businesses

SIOUX FALLS- SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman today announced the U.S. Small Business Administration will begin registrations on Friday, April 30, 2021, at 9 a.m. EDT and open applications on Monday, May 3, 2021, at noon EDT for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. The online application will remain open to any eligible establishment until all funds are exhausted.

“Restaurants are the core of our neighborhoods and propel economic activity on main streets across the nation. They are among the businesses that have been hardest hit and need support to survive this pandemic. We want restaurants to know that help is here,” said Administrator Guzman. “The SBA has focused on the marketplace realities of our food and beverage businesses in designing the Restaurant Revitalization Fund to meet businesses where they are. And we are committed to equity to ensure our smaller and underserved businesses, which have suffered the most, can access this critical relief, recover, and grow more resilient.”

Established under the American Rescue Plan, and signed into law by President Biden on March 11, 2021, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund provides a total of $28.6 billion in direct relief funds to restaurants and other hard-hit food establishments that experienced economic distress and significant operational losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This program provides restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Funds must be used for allowable expenses by March 11, 2023.

“There are many restaurants and bars in urban and rural areas across South Dakota that may benefit from the Restaurant Revitalization Fund,” said Jaime Wood, SBA South Dakota District Director. “Eligible applicants should immediately start preparing to apply, so that when the program opens, the entire process – including application, approval, and funding – goes smoothly.”

The SBA recommends qualifying applicants familiarize themselves with the application process by:

Registering for an account in advance at restaurants.sba.gov starting Friday, April 30, 2021, at 9 a.m. EDT.
Reviewing the official guidance, including program guide, frequently asked questions, and application sample.
Preparing the required documentation.
Working with a point-of-sale vendor or visiting restaurants.sba.gov to apply when the application portal opens. [Note: If an applicant is working with a point-of-sale vendor, they do not need to register beforehand on the site.]
Attending a live recorded virtual training webinar.
- Tuesday, April 27 | 2:30 p.m. EDT | Register here
- Wednesday, April 28 | 1 p.m. EDT | Register here
- Wednesday, April 28 | 2:30 p.m. EDT | Register here

During the first 21 days that the program is open, the SBA will prioritize funding applications from businesses owned and controlled by women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. All eligible applicants are encouraged to submit applications as soon as the portal opens. Following the 21 days, all eligible applications will be funded on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Recognizing the great urgency to help restaurants keep their doors open – and with a clear mandate from Congress – the SBA worked at a breakneck speed and is excited to launch this program,” said Patrick Kelley, SBA Associate Administrator, Office of Capital Access. “From day one, we engaged with diverse stakeholders in the food industry community to make sure we built and delivered the program equitably, quickly, and efficiently.”

Consistent with the legislation and the intent of Congress, the SBA continues to take steps to ensure the equitable distribution of relief, particularly for the smallest businesses, by creating a $9.5 billion set-aside: $5 billion for applicants with 2019 gross receipts of not more than $500,000; $4 billion is set aside for applicants with 2019 gross receipts from $500,001 to $1,500,000; and $500 million for applicants with 2019 gross receipts not more than $50,000.

Wood added that the SBA network of Small Business Development Centers, Women Business Centers, Veterans Business Outreach Centers, and SCORE mentors provide free and confidential assistance to small businesses seeking SBA’s COVID-19 resources.

For more information, visit sba.gov/restaurants or in Spanish at sba.gov/restaurantes.

###

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start and grow their businesses. It delivers services to people through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

Trailhead Subdivision taking shape

March 2, 2021

This amazing property has been designed and created by Sturgis natives and business owners, Rod & Cassie Bradley. Inspired to create a neighborhood to foster home ownership and to take full advantage of the outdoor elements our community has to offer, the Trailhead neighborhood became a reality.

These twenty-three homes at the mouth of Vanocker Canyon are located directly on the municipal bike path to access the Sturgis Dams and Black Hills National Forest. Less than 2 miles from legendary Sturgis Main Street and easy access to I-90, these homes are intended for residents taking full advantage of what it means to live and work in the Black Hills. For first time home buyers, these homes qualify for Rural Development 100% financing. Both three-bedroom and two-bedroom models are available, all with two full bathrooms. Some models include a garage in the advertised price, but all homes have the space to add a garage now or in years to come.

Contact Properties Unlimited Realty at 605-347-7644 for more information.

South Dakota Nonprofit Capacity Building Program Excels Rural Fundraising Capacity

February 25, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Renner, SD Amanda Anglin, Executive Director of Sturgis Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) applied and has been selected to participate in cohort two of the South Dakota Nonprofit Capacity Building Program.

This credentialed professional development opportunity is a 15-month training program that involves: 1) Four fundraising courses taught by faculty from The Fundraising School at Indiana University 2) Attainment of CFRE credentials 3) Activities with a statewide cohort of South Dakota fundraising professionals.

“This is an exciting time for growth and development in Sturgis and Meade County. This training help will build capacity for our organization and help SEDC to continue our mission of pursing economic development in Sturgis and Meade County. Thank you to Dakota Resource and Black Hills Energy for sponsoring this opportunity. I am excited to learn new skills to help our region grow and thrive,” said Amanda Anglin, Sturgis Economic Development Corp Executive Director.

Dakota Resources’ is sponsoring five rural economic development professionals to participate in the South Dakota Nonprofit Capacity Building Program. “This caliber of training will increase local practitioners’ knowledge and skills in fundraising and help expand financial resources to support important community and economic development work in rural South Dakota through more effective fundraising,” said Paula Jensen, Dakota Resources Vice President of Program Development.

Successful completion of the program results in participants attaining the Certificate in Fund Raising Management (CFRM) from The Fund Raising School and completion of requirements to become a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). Both the CFRM and the CFRE are internationally recognized credentials that indicate a high level of skill, experience, and dedication to ethical fundraising practices. Individuals that complete this program will receive training and attain credentials that raise the bar on professional fundraising practice in South Dakota.

About the South Dakota Nonprofit Capacity Building Program

With support from the Numad Group and South Dakota Community Foundation, the South Dakota Nonprofit Capacity Building Program combines the forces of The Fund Raising School at Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy (The Fund Raising School) and CFRE International in a research-based program aimed at providing South Dakota nonprofit employees, volunteers and board members with high quality training and experience to help build their capacity in effective fundraising and to develop important nonprofit leadership skills. Find out more at ruralphilanthropyinstitute.org

About Dakota Resources

Dakota Resources is a 501c3 nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution focused on connecting capacity and capital to empower rural communities. They embrace building the capacity and confidence of rural community leaders and organizations through learning networks, long-term community coaching, and capital investments. For more information, visit dakotaresources.org. Dakota Resources is an equal opportunity organization.